Communication and Privacy

In accord with federal and state law, the University reserves the right to examine material stored on or transmitted through its facilities. The University will examine files only when and to the extent that reasonable business need requires for protection and maintenance of the system. Computer users should be aware that privacy cannot be guaranteed in electronic communications, even for communications that have been "deleted."

Users of the University's computer facilities assume full responsibility for their experiences. The University cannot and will not protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them except in cases of violation of the law or of University policy or standards, and then only where technically feasible. Individuals making use of electronic communications are warned that they may willingly or unwillingly receive or discover material they find offensive. The university will not set standards for discussion or language in electronic communication forums and assumes no responsibility for the initiation or transmission of such material, whether or not such material originates inside or outside the university.

Similarly, individual users assume full responsibility and accountability for their actions. Computers offer powerful tools for communication but also offer the potential to infringe on the rights of others. Individuals should consider carefully how their actions affect other users, and whether their behavior is prohibited under University policy and standards or under federal or state law. Violations of the law may be reported to the appropriate authorities, while violations of University policy and standards will be processed through the Office for Student Conduct. Education or remedial interventions prior to disciplinary action may be initiated by Information Services. Such interventions do not preclude initiation of disciplinary action. Temporary restrictive actions may be taken by systems or network administrators during educational or remedial interventions, or pending disciplinary adjudication or final outcome of such an adjudication. Access may be restricted or denied as the result of disciplinary action.